Company: Started in 1995, the oatmeal and oatmeal snacks company
donates a portion of its profits to the athletic department at
California State University, Fullerton.

2001 Sales: $2.3 million

"We didn't
create this marketing strategy; it was my life."

Natural Talent: "I
never intended to start a business. On Christmas Eve, we had a nice
breakfast, complete with pancakes, muffins and homemade oatmeal. As
[my guests] commented on how good the oatmeal tasted, a friend said
I could start a business. I immediately thought of helping my
team."

Making the Cut: "My
friend took the oatmeal to the Natural Foods Trade show.
Interested, the VP of Roman Meal invited me to their headquarters.
I met with marketing, transportation and other people. They took a
vote and we passed narrowly. Roman Meal [eventually] became our
manufacturer. They also just invested a significant amount of money
in our company."

A Coach's Philosophy:
"Two years ago, I retired. I had a chance to participate in
young people growing, but by contributing to the university, I
didn't walk away from that part of my life. We feel that
we've been given this [business] to do something
good."

Community Rally: "All
our local retailers have helped us with the cost of entry.
They've also given us ads and been patient as I learn this
business. We knew we would lose money at the start, but we needed
to support the team."